Georgian Carved Walnut Mirror circa 1740

George II Walnut & Parcel-Gilt Pier Mirror, c.1740. A highly decorative George II walnut and parcel-gilt pier mirror, dating to the mid-18th century. The shaped walnut frame is richly articulated with scrolling fretwork, centred above by a boldly carved and gilded foliate crest, with further gilt floral and fruiting ornament running down the sides and a carved shell motif to the lower apron. The arched mirror plate sits within a moulded inner slip and displays extensive attractive foxing and degradation to the silvering, giving the piece a particularly atmospheric, untouched appearance. The warm colour of the walnut combined with the restrained surviving gilding is characteristic of English mirrors of the George II period.